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Kelowna tree removal rules and permits

Do I need permission to cut down a tree on my property in Kelowna?

Kelowna, British ColumbiaChecked against official textSources read 2026-11-09

Short answer

Kelowna generally requires a permit to remove trees over 100 millimetres in diameter in a riparian management area or on a slope of at least 30%. Check the protected area map before cutting.

Key facts

When a permit is neededKelowna generally requires a permit to remove trees over 100 millimetres in diameter in a riparian management area or on a slope of at least 30%.Tree Cutting Permits · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
Generally, a tree removal permit is required for trees that are over 100mm in diameter and are: * Within a riparian management area, which is usually between five and 30 metres from the edge of a creek, pond, lake or wetland; or * On a hillside with a slope of 30 per cent or greater
ExemptionsThe City lists typical exemptions for certain pruning, private trees outside the Natural Environment Development Permit Area, and invasive trees.Tree Cutting Permits · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
A tree removal permit is typically not required for: * Pruning or removal of a dead, diseased or damaged branches (less than 30% of the canopy) * Trees on private property outside of the Natural Environment Development Permit Area * Removal of invasive trees like Siberian Elm, Russian Olive, or Tree of Heaven
FeeThe tree cutting permit fee is $50. The City may waive it if the tree cutting and development permit applications for the same property are submitted together.Tree Protection Bylaw No. 8041, Section 7.1, permit application and fee · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
(h) a report prepared, to the satisfaction of the City of Kelowna, by a qualified person(s) stating whether or not the proposed cutting will create such adverse impact as danger of flooding, erosion, land slip or contamination of watercourses; and (i) a permit fee of $50.00. This fee may be waived if applications for a Tree Cutting Permit and Development Permit relating to the same property are submitted to the Planning & Development Services Department concurrently.
Replacement treesSubmit an assessment and replacement plan from an ISA Certified Arborist. Replace trees within one growing season or secure replacement with a bond, as the bylaw provides. Replacement numbers depend on the removed tree's size.Tree Cutting Permits, Tree cutting permit and arborist report · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
Tree cutting permit If you want to remove a protected tree on your property, you must apply for a tree cutting permit as per the process outlined in Tree Protection Bylaw No. 8041. Trees removed under this bylaw must be replaced within one growing season and/or insured to be replaced by a Performance Security (bond).
A tree assessment and replacement plan must be included with all permit applications. This report must be completed by an ISA Certified Arborist. The arborist must recommend that at least one of the replacement trees be of a similar type of tree (coniferous or deciduous). Replacement trees are determined by the size of the tree removed: * 1 tree at 0 mm - 151 mm (6") DBH = 2 replacements * 1 tree at 152 mm - 304 mm (12") DBH = 3 replacement trees
City treesOnly City staff may prune or remove street and park trees for a health issue or serious safety hazard.Protecting Trees | City of Kelowna, Tree protection on streets and in parks · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
The Tree Protection Bylaw prohibits the removal of trees in the “Tree Cutting Permit Areas” defined in the bylaw, without a permit. The City of Kelowna also prohibits the removal of street trees and trees in parks, as these trees are considered public infrastructure and can only be pruned or removed by City staff if there is a health issue or serious safety hazard. Trees are an important resource for our community, just like sidewalks and fire hydrants.
FineThe standard bylaw-notice penalties are $200 for cutting down a protected tree, $100 for damaging one and $150 for failing to comply with a tree-cutting permit.Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 10475, Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 10475, Schedule A, Tree Protection Bylaw rows · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
Bylaw No. Section Description A1 Penalty A2 Early Payment Penalty A3 Late Payment Penalty
TREE PROTECTION BYLAW NO. 8041 8041 4.1 Cut Down Protected Tree $200.00 $220.00 $180.00 No 8041 4.1 Damage Protected Tree $100.00 $90.00 $110.00 No 8041 4.2 Fail to Comply with Tree Cutting Permit $150.00 $135.00 $165.00 Yes
BylawCity of Kelowna Tree Protection Bylaw No. 8041, as amended.Tree Protection Bylaw No. 8041, Title and applicability, sections 1–2 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-09
Official wording
BYLAW NO. 8041 REVISED: April 28th, 1998 CONSOLIDATED FOR CONVENIENCE TO INCLUDE BYLAW NO. 8224 A bylaw to regulate the removal of protected trees in Natural Environment/Hazardous Condition Development Permit Areas The Municipal Council of the City of Kelowna, in open meeting assembled, hereby enacts as follows: 1.0 TITLE 1.1 This bylaw may be cited as “Tree Protection Bylaw No. 8041”. 2.0 APPLICABILITY 2.1 (a) This bylaw applies to all lands listed in Schedule A – Tree Cutting Permit Areas

How it works

Identify the tree and where it stands before arranging its removal. Mark the trunk on a sketch showing lot lines, the street, watercourses and any proposed construction. The applicable approval can depend on the location as well as the tree itself. The City lists typical exemptions for certain pruning, private trees outside the Natural Environment Development Permit Area, and invasive trees.

Steps

  1. For the local removal or planning process, consult Tree Cutting Permits. Check the local tree or development-permit information for the property. If ownership or the boundary is uncertain, establish that first.
  2. Describe the reason for removal and whether you are applying as part of a building or subdivision project. Ask what evidence is required before relying on an exemption.

Good to know

  • Submit an assessment and replacement plan from an ISA Certified Arborist. Replace trees within one growing season or secure replacement with a bond, as the bylaw provides. Replacement numbers depend on the removed tree's size.
  • Only City staff may prune or remove street and park trees for a health issue or serious safety hazard.
  • The tree cutting permit fee is $50. The City may waive it if the tree cutting and development permit applications for the same property are submitted together.
  • Keep a copy of any plan, assessment and written approval with the project records. If the scope changes from pruning to removal, ask about the work you now propose.
  • Read the applicable provisions in Tree Protection Bylaw No. 8041 (PDF) and Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 10475 (PDF).

What you'll need

  • Site plan identifying trees to be kept and a replacement plan showing the proposed location, size, type and number of trees.

Official forms and pages

The same question in other places

West Kelowna · Lake Country · Peachland · Coldstream · Vernon · Summerland

Tree removal permits in British Columbia, by municipality →

Sources

  1. Tree Cutting Permits (read 2026-11-09)
  2. Zoning Bylaw (read 2026-11-09)
  3. Protecting Trees | City of Kelowna (read 2026-11-09)
  4. Kelowna municipal office contact information (read 2026-11-09)
  5. Development Planning | City of Kelowna (read 2026-11-09)
  6. Tree Protection Bylaw No. 8041 (PDF) (read 2026-11-09)
  7. Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 10475 (PDF) (read 2026-11-09)

Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 7 of 7 facts was matched to the official text. How answers are checked.